The

Peachtree City Police Department is once again raising

money to purchase bulletproof vests for its officers.

The

eight-member auxiliary unit of the force, all volunteers,

is in charge of the fundraising. The group has raised

more than $70,000 since 1989.

The

department wants to purchase 50 vests at a cost of about

$500 apiece. A number of new officers are now on the

force, and older vests have begun to lose some of their

effectiveness, although they are still useful, according

to auxiliary officer Bryant Goss.

Older vests

are donated to smaller police departments when the new

vests are acquired.

Officers in

Peachtree City are required to wear their vests at all

times, and they are helpul not only to stop bullets, but

also for protection against knife attacks and automobile

accidents.

Businesses

throughout Peachtree City are now being solicited by

mail, Goss said. Any individual or company that

contributes the full cost of a vest will have his or her

name embroidered on the vest. All contributors will

receive certificates of appreciation.

Goss

pointed out that this is an excellent opportunity for

residents to donate money to a worthy cause within their

own community, while helping public servants continue to

protect them.